Impact on Education’s Post

The book "Ban This Book" by Alan Grat was challenged by Jennifer Pippen a very vocal member of the Moms for Liberty group in Indian River County. As required by state statute, this book went through the challenge process and the review committee determined to keep the book on the shelves of Indian River school libraries. Even the #MomsForLiberty, "book review" site "Book Looks," which rates books on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the least objectionable, they rated this book a 1 with the only "concern" being that the book encourages activism of young children, doesn't find this book objectionable. Yet, the Indian River County School Board has chosen to go against its own review committee and has banned/ removed a book about book bans from their schools because it references books that have been removed from their schools and accused the book of "teaching rebellion of school board authority." Author #AlanGratz had this to say: the removal of this book is "incredibly ironic. They banned the book because it talks about the books that they have banned and because it talks about book banning. It feels like they know exactly what they're doing and they're somewhat ashamed of what they're doing, and they don't want a book on the shelves that calls them out." When will this madness stop. Those that seek to prevent the dissemination of information are NEVER on the right side of history. As librarian, Jo Godwin said "A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone." Not every book is for every person, and no one is required to read every book on the library shelves. Just because you personally disagree with what's written in a book doesn't make the book inappropriate to keep on library shelves. This book has been positively reviewed by Booklist, Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, and School Library Journal. All recommend this book for students in grades 3 - 6. It seems that the "free" state of Florida is only free if you believe what those in charge tell you to believe, if you have a dissenting opinion the state is not one of freedom but instead one of tyranny. #StopTheBookBans #FreePeopleReadFreely Florida Library Association, Inc. American Association of School Librarians American Library Association PEN America

It's not controversial - every school should have a library. School libraries should not be the realm of wealthy private schools - not if we care about equity and literacy for all children. As Philip Pullman says in this piece "“The school library is without question the most important room in the entire school, because it contains – or used to contain, or should contain – books that are not required for examination purposes. Books that no one might expect to find. Books on every subject under the sun. Books that some teachers don’t even know are there.” The Australian Library and Information Association and our partners in the Australian Coalition for School Libraries continues to call for every student to have access to a school library. #LibrariesTransform #StudentsNeedSchoolLibraries #AustralianCoalitionForSchoolLibraries https://lnkd.in/g5gpcU3Y

Literacy is empowering. Literacy changes the trajectory of lives. Literacy creates a more equal playing field.

School libraries are undergoing a lack of support these days and need community support to thrive. Nontraditional students are at greatest need for the presence of supportive services including school libraries. For these pupils libraries can hold an integral tie to lifelong learning which they may not be getting through other educational means. All students tend to be better off with a well-supported school library. Staff can assist them in utilizing a variety of resources, inspire them in a myriad of pursuits, and build a rapport without the worries of grades. #schoollibraries #libraries #education #nontraditionalstudents #governance #schools #educationalresources

Have you noticed a decrease in students’ reading habits? 📖 According to The Guardian, recent studies have shown a “4.4% decrease in the number of books read by pupils, and a “sharp drop” in the difficulty of those read by older secondary students.”  Is this a temporary, residual effect of the pandemic, or is this a sign that we should be devoting resources to encourage students to read more? You can read the article here: https://lnkd.in/dHnsGgWy 

If you picture a "School Librarian," and think of "shhh-ing" and dusty old books, it's time for a refresh! Read this article (and listen to the podcast) to learn more - school librarians are equipped to help with lessons, tech integration, research, and of course, resource recommendations. And if you have a librarian at your school, consider this a reminder to reach out to them 🤗

While this is referring to k12 libraries which are definitely vital but it also applies to public libraries, academic libraries including and especially community college libraries. #ValueLibraries #LibrariesSupportStudents #Equality #EquityinEducation #LibrariesAreImportant

Librarians can draft plans that address specific concerns of the school district. Chances are, there’s something specific that school officials are looking to accomplish, whether that’s improving academics or providing students with a wider range of learning resources. Once a librarian understands these goals, they can write their report accordingly, detailing how helping the school library will ultimately help the school as a whole.

📚✨ Join the Literacy Fellowship 10 reasons why you should be a part of this incredible journey! 📚 The Literacy Fellowship provides educators with a free diverse classroom library, literacy lessons, service projects, book giveaways for their students, and positive community support! Please consider applying today or sharing this with a few educators you know. Deadline is May 31, 2024. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gAekXsYR #TheLeadersReadersNetwork #Educators #TexasEducators #LiteracyFellowship #LiteracyLeaders #TeachersSupportingTeachers #NewBooks #Literacy #LiteracyMatters #Education #DiverseClassroomLibrary #LiteracyEnrichmentActivities #EquitableEducation

This is why DEI is so important.